Los Che were initially determined to hold onto the 23-year-old beyond the 2011-12 campaign, but have now supposedly accepted that the player's departure is inevitable, with sporting director Braulio Vazquez admitting Valencia are aware of the Blaugrana's desire to sign him.

"I suppose Barcelona want him because he's Catalan and plays on the left wing. We are obviously talking about an excellent player, and it's only normal that Barcelona are keen to sign him," Braulio Vazquez stated to Radio Galega.

The La Masia-trained star has a contract with Mauricio Pellegrino's side until the summer of 2013, but they are ready to him leave for a fee in the region of €15 million (£12m).

Barca have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the defender, but they have yet to table an official offer.

The Catalans are expected to open talks with the side who finished third in La Liga in the upcoming weeks, though, as they want to wrap up the transfer before the start of pre-season.

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